Deionization vs Reverse Osmosis: What You Should Know

DI and RO water systems each have unique benefits for water purification. Choosing the right system can feel overwhelming, but Nalco Water experts can guide you in doing what's best for your operation.

Choosing a DI or RO Industrial Water System

DI and RO remove impurities from water, but they do so in different ways. They also provide different levels of water purity; RO can filter chemicals, bacteria and minerals, while DI exchanges ions by binding and removing contaminants such as mineral impurities and dissolved gases.

Both systems offer important benefits for industrial water purification including water savings and optimization. You can use DI and RO to achieve multiple water types: Ultra-pure water, ASTM type 1 and 2, water for blending, water for power, sterile process water and clean steam.

Deionization

Charged ions present in facility water can come from a variety of sources, including minerals, pollutants and dissolved gases. In certain cases, these ions can raise safety concerns and damage equipment. Deionized resins bind with mineral salts to separate them from water, so only clean water leaves the tank.

Benefits of DI

  • Low CapEX, High OpEX
  • Low maintenance and small footprint
  • No wastewater
  • No electric costs
  • Produces higher purity water

Reverse Osmosis

RO is a water purification process that uses pressure to force water molecules through a semipermeable membrane. This removes some impurities including bacteria and certain chemicals from the water.

Benefits of RO

  • High CapEx, Low OpEx
  • Managed by Nalco Water Service Experts
  • Potential for wastewater reuse
  • Removes protozoa, viruses and bacteria
  • Reduces TOC loading

  • Wondering whether DI or RO is best for your operation? Contact Nalco Water and let us build the right water system for you.

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